Portable support apparatus for infants and toddlers

ABSTRACT

A portable support apparatus for supporting an infant&#39;s or toddler&#39;s head and/or upper torso when he is positioned in a seat having a seat back. The apparatus comprises a rigid back member and rigid left and right head support members which are hingedly connected to the left and right sides of the back member, respectively. The left and right head support members are pivotable from a folded position in which the left and right head support members are positioned against the back member to an unfolded position in which the left and right head support members project at a desired maximum open angle relative to the back member. The portable support apparatus also includes an arrangement for maintaining the left and right head support members at the desired maximum open angle when the left and right head support members are in the unfolded position. In use, the portable infant support apparatus is positioned in the seat, the left and right head support members are unfolded to the desired maximum open angle, and the infant or toddler is positioned in the seat against the back member. In this manner, the infant&#39;s or toddler&#39;s head and/or upper torso will be supported by the left and right head support members in a generally upright position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting an infant or toddler in an upright position when he is seated in a shopping cart seat, a high chair or the like. More particularly, the invention is directed to such an apparatus which can be folded into a compact configuration that is easy to carry, transport and store.

An infant or toddler seated in a shopping cart seat, a high chair, or the like typically must make a conscious effort to remain in an upright position. This is not a problem when the infant or toddler is fully awake, but when he is sleepy or falling asleep, he usually is unable to keep his head and upper torso from falling backward or to one side or the other. This action is not only potentially harmful to the infant or toddler, but also interferes with his ability to fall and stay asleep.

Typical infant carriers comprise rigid sides which comfortably support an infant's or toddler's head and upper torso when he is in a sitting position. However, these carriers are too large to be used in shopping cart seats, high chairs and the like. In addition, infant carriers are commonly rigid, one-piece members which cannot be folded to make them easier to carry, transport and store.

The prior art contains many examples of portable devices which are specifically designed to provide comfort and support for an infant in a shopping cart seat or the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,721 to Latshaw et at discloses a seat cushion for shopping carts which includes a padded seat back member that is hinged to a padded seat member so that these components can be folded together for ease of transport. However, this seat cushion does not include any side members for preventing the infant's head and upper torso from falling to the side should he fall asleep. U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,125 to Sckolnik discloses a child safety cushion which includes a seat portion and two side portions that can be unfolded from a back portion and then snapped together to form a seat-like structure for the infant. However, the side portions are made of a vinyl covered foam and are therefore not likely to be able to support the weight of the infant's upper torso and head if he should fall asleep. U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,607 to Waldroup discloses a shopping cart cushion which includes a seat portion that is foldably connected to a back portion and two side portions which are foldably connected to opposite sides of the seat portion. In use, side portions are folded upward and secured to the back portion using a strap to form a seat-like structure for the infant. However, like the device disclosed in the Sckolnik patent, the side portions are made of a resilient material which is probably not able to prevent the infant's head and upper torso from falling to the side.

Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus which can comfortably but firmly support an infant's or toddler's head and/or upper torso while he is seated in a shopping cart seat or the like but which can also be folded into a compact configuration that is easy to carry, transport and store.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, these problems are overcome by providing a portable support apparatus for supporting an infant's or toddler's head and/or upper torso when he is positioned in a seat having a seat back. The portable support apparatus includes a rigid back member and rigid left and right head support members which are pivotally connected to the left and right sides of the back member, respectively. The left and right head support members are pivotable from a folded position in which the left and right head support members are positioned against the back member to an unfolded position in which the left and right head support members project at a desired maximum open angle relative to the back member. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the portable support device also includes means for maintaining the left and right head support members at said desired maximum open angle when the left and right head support members are in the unfolded position.

In use, the portable support apparatus is positioned in the seat, the left and right head support members are unfolded to the desired maximum open angle, and the infant or toddler is positioned in the seat against the back member. In this manner, the infant's or toddler's head and/or upper torso will be supported in a generally upright position by the left and right head support members.

Thus, the left and right head support members provide lateral support to maintain the infant's or toddler's upper torso and head in a generally upright position, even when he is falling asleep or sleeping. In addition, the left and right head support members may be folded into the back member to make the portable support apparatus easier to carry, transport and store.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers may be used to denote similar components in the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an illustrative embodiment of the portable support apparatus of the present invention showing each of the head support members and the seat member in are overly unfolded position for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable support apparatus of FIG. 1 with the head support members and the seat member in their normal unfolded positions;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the portable support apparatus of FIG. 1 with the head support members and the seat member in their folded positions;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along the line 3A-3A of FIG. 3 showing a head support member in its folded position;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3A but showing the head support member in its unfolded position;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the portable support apparatus of FIG. 1 with the head support members and the seat member in their folded positions;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the portable support apparatus of FIG. 1 with the head support members and the seat member in their folded positions;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of another embodiment of the portable support apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the portable support apparatus of FIG. 6 with the back member in its reclined position;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the portable support apparatus of FIG. 1 shown positioned for use in an exemplary shopping cart; and FIG. 9 is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 8 but showing an infant positioned in the portable infant support apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The portable support apparatus of the present invention is designed to comfortably support the upper torso and/or head of an infant or toddler in certain situations in which use of a conventional infant seat is not practical, such as when the infant is sitting in a shopping cart seat or a high chair. For the sake of simplicity, as used hereafter the term “infant” will be used to designate both infants and toddlers. The unique construction of the portable support apparatus provides sufficient lateral support to maintain the infant's upper torso and head in a generally upright position, even when the infant is sleeping, while at the same time allowing the support apparatus to be folded into a compact configuration which can be easily carried, transported and stored.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an illustrative embodiment of the portable support apparatus of the present invention, which is indicated generally by reference number 10, is shown to comprise a generally rectangular back member 12 having a front surface 14, a rear surface 16, a top 18, a bottom 20, and left and right sides 22 and 24, respectively. (The designations “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “left” and “right” are used herein with reference to the view of the infant support apparatus shown in FIG. 1.) A left head support member 26 is connected to the left side 22 of the back member 12 by a hinge member 28. Similarly, a right head support member 30 is connected to the right side 24 of the back member 12 by a hinge member 32. In this manner, the left and right head support members 26, 30 may be pivoted about the left and right sides 22, 24 in the direction of the arrows A between the deployed or unfolded position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the left and right head support members are in a position to provide lateral support to an infant's upper torso and head, to the folded position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in which the support apparatus 10 assumes a compact configuration which is easy to carry, transport and store. Although the left and right head support members 26, 30 are shown as being semi-oval in shape, they can comprise any other practical configuration, such as semi-circular or rectangular, provided that they are large enough to present a comfortable support surface for the infant's upper torso and/or head and small enough to be folded into the back member 12.

Although not required, the portable support apparatus 10 may also include an optional seat member 34. The seat member 34 is connected to the bottom 20 of the back member 12 with one or more hinges 36 which enable the seat member to pivot in the direction of the arrow B from the deployed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (and in phantom in FIG. 5) to the folded position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and vice-versa. The seat member 34 can provide a comfortable surface for the infant's bottom and also serve to anchor the support apparatus 10 in the structure in which the support apparatus is being used.

In accordance with the present invention, the portable support apparatus 10 comprises means for maintaining the left and right head support members 26, 30 at a desired maximum open angle relative to the back member 12 when the head support members are in their deployed or unfolded position. One example of such an angle maintaining means is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B for the right head support member 30, it being understood that the angle maintaining means for the left support member 26 would be substantially the same. As shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, the angle maintaining means comprises a first buttress 36 which is connected to or formed integrally with the right side 24 of the back member 12 and a second buttress 38 which is connected to or formed integrally with an adjacent side of the right head support member 30. The buttresses 36, 38 are configured such that, when the head support member 30 is unfolded from the back member 12, the buttresses will contact each other and thereby prevent the head support member from pivoting beyond a desired maximum open angle β, such as 100° (FIG. 3B).

In the specific embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3A and 33, each buttress 36, 38 comprises a corresponding engagement surface 40, 42 which is formed at an angle α relative to the plane of the back member 12 or the head support member 30. The value for the angle α is chosen in conjunction with the configuration of the buttresses 36, 38 to provide a desired maximum open angle β.

Although the buttresses 36, 38 are shown located adjacent the hinge 32, they may be located above or below the hinge, or two sets of buttresses may be provided, one above the hinge and one below the hinge. If as shown in the Figures the buttresses 36, 38 are located adjacent the hinge 32, at least one but preferably both of the buttresses may be provided with a suitably configured recess 44, 46 within which the hinge 32 is situated.

Another example of a suitable means for maintaining the left and right head support members 26, 30 at a desired maximum open angle relative to the back member 12 is a simple bracket having one end which is connected to, e.g., the back member and another end which engages the head support member when the head support member is unfolded to the desired maximum open angle. Alternatively, two such brackets may be employed, one connected to the back member and the other connected to the head support member, whose ends engage when the head support member is unfolded to the desired maximum open angle. As a further example, the angle maintaining means may comprise a device similar to a conventional hinge mounted door stop.

In order for the angle maintaining means described above to function as desired and for the head support members 26, 30 to provide a firm, unbending surface sufficient to resist the weight of the infant's leaning upper torso and/or head, the back member 12 and the head support members are preferably made of a strong, rigid material, such as plastic. Such material should be sufficiently strong and stiff to prevent the head support members 26, 30 and the buttresses 36, 38 from buckling and breaking under the anticipated loads.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the portable support apparatus 10 preferably includes means for securing the back member 12 to the seat or other such structure in which the support apparatus is being used. In this example, the securing means comprises a hook assembly 48 which is configured to engage the seat back of the seat or other structure in which the support apparatus 10 is being used. The hook assembly 48 includes a hook 50 which is connected to or formed integrally with a base 52. The base 52 in turn is slidably received between a pair of opposing C-shaped channel members 54 which are connected to or formed integrally with the rear surface 16 of the back member 12. In this manner, the hook 50 may be adjusted up or down relative to the back member 12 in order to engage with seat backs of varying heights. As shown in FIG. 3, the side edges of the base 52 may be provided with teeth 56 which interact with corresponding teeth 58 on the channel members 54 to retain the base, and thus the hook 50, in a desired position relative to the back member 12.

High chairs and some other types of infant seats have relatively vertical seat backs which prevent the infant from assuming a comfortable reclined position. In accordance with the present invention, the portable support apparatus 10 may comprise means for supporting the back member 12 in a reclined position in such structures. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, one embodiment of such a supporting means is shown to comprise a recliner bracket 60 which is pivotally connected to the rear surface 16 of the back member 12 by a suitable hinge 62. In the particular embodiment shown in the drawings, the recliner bracket 60 is a generally rectangular member and the hinge 62 is connected to the bottom of the recliner bracket. In this manner, the recliner bracket 60 may be pivoted downward in the direction of the arrow C until it reaches its deployed position (which is shown in phantom in FIG. 5). In this position, the recliner bracket 60 will be wedged against the bottom of the seat back and thereby maintain the bottom of the back member 12 spaced apart from the seat back. With the upper portion of the back member 12 positioned against the seat back, the back member will thus be supported in a reclined position.

Another embodiment of a means for supporting the back member 12 in a reclined position is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The support means of this embodiment comprises a pivot bar assembly 64 which is secured to the rear surface 16 of the back member 12. The pivot bar assembly 64 includes a generally U-shaped support bar 66 having a middle portion 68 which is oriented parallel to the bottom 20 of the back member 12 and two transverse end portions 70 which are rotatably secured to the rear surface 16 by corresponding brackets 72. The pivot bar assembly 64 further includes a brace member 74 which is pivotally connected to the rear surface 16 by one or ore suitable hinges 76. The brace member 74 comprises a plurality of equally spaced pairs of hook members 78, each of which pairs is oriented parallel to the bottom 12 of the back member 12 and, thus, parallel to the middle portion 68 of the support bar 66. In order to deploy the pivot bar assembly, the brace member 74 is pivoted from its folded position shown in FIG. 6 to its unfolded position shown in FIG. 7 and the middle portion 68 of the support bar 66 is pulled away from the rear surface 16 and anchored into one of the pairs of hooks 78. In this position, the support bar 66 will maintain the back member 12 in a reclined position.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate how the portable support apparatus 10 of the present invention may be used to support an infant in a shopping cart 80. As is typical, the shopping cart 80 includes a foldable seat having a seat back 82. In use, the support apparatus 10 is unfolded and placed in the shopping cart seat with the back member 12 positioned against the seat back 82. If necessary, one of the means described above for supporting the back member 12 in a reclined position may then be deployed. Preferably, the hook 50 is then slid down over the top of the seat back 82 to secure the back member 12 to the shopping cart seat. The infant may then be placed in the portable support apparatus 10 and secured therein by a suitable seat belt assembly 84 (which is shown more clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2). As shown in FIG. 9, when the head support members 26, 30 are in their maximum open position, the infant's head will supported in a comfortable, relatively upright position. After use, the support apparatus 10 may then be removed from the shopping cart, folded and conveniently carried to its next location.

It should be recognized that, while the present invention has been described in relation to the preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art may develop a wide variation of structural and operational details without departing from the principles of the invention. For example the different features of the various embodiments may be combined in a manner not described herein. Therefore, the appended claims are to be construed to cover all equivalents falling within the true scope and spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A portable support apparatus for supporting an infant's head and/or upper torso when the infant is positioned in a seat having a seat back, the portable support apparatus comprising: a rigid back member which comprises a front surface, a rear surface and left and right sides: rigid left and right head support members which are pivotally connected to the left and right sides, respectively; said left and right head support members being pivotable from a folded position in which the left and right head support members are positioned against the back member to an unfolded position in which the left and right head support members project at a desired maximum open angle relative to the back member; and means for maintaining the left and right head support members at said desired maximum open angle when the left and right head support members are in the unfolded position; wherein in use the portable support apparatus is positioned in the seat, the left and right head support members are unfolded to the desired maximum open angle, and the infant is positioned in the seat against the back member; whereby the infant's head and/or upper torso will be supported in a generally upright position by the left and right head support members.
 2. The portable support seat of claim 1, wherein said means for maintaining the left and right head support members at the desired maximum open angle comprises: a first buttress which is connected to or formed integrally with the left side of the back member and a second buttress which is connected to or formed integrally with the left head support member proximate the first buttress; wherein the first and second buttresses are configured such that, when the left head support member is unfolded from the back member, the first and second buttresses will contact each other and thereby prevent the left head support member from pivoting beyond the desired maximum open angle; a third buttress which is connected to or formed integrally with the right side of the back member and a fourth buttress which is connected to or formed integrally with the right head support member proximate the third buttress; wherein the third and fourth buttresses are configured such that, when the right head support member is unfolded from the back member, the third and fourth buttresses will contact each other and thereby prevent the right head support member from pivoting beyond the desired maximum open angle.
 3. The portable support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seat member which is pivotally connected to a bottom of the back member, wherein the seat member is pivotable from a folded position in which the seat member is positioned against the back member to an unfolded position in which the seat member projects from the back member such that the infant may be seated on the seat member.
 4. The portable support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for releasably securing the back member to the seat.
 5. The portable support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the means for releasably securing the back member to the seat comprises a hook which is connected to the rear surface of the back member and is configured to engage the seat back.
 6. The portable support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the means for releasably securing the back member to the seat comprises a hook which is vertically adjustably connected to the rear surface of the back member and is configured to engage the seat back.
 7. The portable support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for supporting the back member in a reclined position.
 8. The portable support apparatus of claim 7, wherein the means for supporting the back member reclined position comprises a bracket which is pivotally connected to a lower portion of the back member and which in an unfolded position is configured to engage the seat back and thereby maintain the lower portion of the back member spaced apart from the seat back.
 9. The portable support apparatus of claim 7, wherein the means for supporting the back member in a reclined position comprises a pivot bar which comprises a first portion that is rotatably secured to the rear surface of the back member and a second portion which in an unfolded position of the pivot bar is spaced apart from the back member.
 10. The portable support apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pivot bar comprises a generally U-shaped configuration having a middle portion and two transverse end portions, wherein each of the end portions is rotatably secured to the rear surface of the back member such that the pivot bar is pivotable from a folded position in which the middle portion is positioned against the back member to an unfolded position in which the middle portion is spaced apart from the back member.
 11. The portable support apparatus of claim 10, wherein the means for supporting the back member in a reclined position further comprises a brace member which is pivotally connected to the rear surface of the back member and is pivotable from a folded position in which the brace member is positioned against the back member to an unfolded position in which the brace member projects at an angle relative to the back member, the brace member comprising at least one hook member which is engageable with the middle portion of the pivot bar to thereby maintain the pivot bar in its unfolded position.
 12. The portable support apparatus of claim 11, wherein the brace member comprises a plurality of hook members, each of which maintains the middle portion of the pivot bar at a different distance from the back member when the pivot bar is in its unfolded position.
 13. A portable support apparatus for supporting an infant's head and/or upper torso when the infant is positioned in a seat having a seat back, the portable support apparatus comprising: a rigid back member which comprises a front surface, a rear surface and left and right sides; rigid left and right head support members which are pivotally connected to the left and right sides, respectively; said left and right head support members being pivotable from a folded position in which the left and right head support members are positioned against the back member to an unfolded position in which the left and right head support members project at a desired maximum open angle relative to the back member; and a hook member which is connected to the back member and is engageable with the seat back to thereby releasably secure the back member to the seat back; wherein in use the portable support apparatus is positioned in the seat, the left and right head support members are unfolded to the desired maximum open angle, and the infant is positioned in the seat against the back member; whereby the infant's head and/or upper torso will be supported by the left and right head support members.
 14. The portable support apparatus of claim 13, wherein the hook member is vertically adjustably connected to the back member.
 15. The portable support apparatus of claim 13, further comprising means for maintaining the left and right head support members at said desired maxi A open angle when the left and right head support members are in the unfolded position.
 16. The portable support apparatus of claim 13, further comprising means for supporting the back member in a reclined position.
 17. A portable support apparatus for supporting an infant's head and/or upper torso when the infant is positioned in a seat having a seat back, the portable support apparatus comprising: a rigid back member which comprises a front surface, a rear surface and left and right sides; rigid left and right head support members which are pivotally connected to the left and right sides, respectively; said left and right head support members being pivotable from a folded position in which the left and right head support members are positioned against the back member to an unfolded position in which the left and right head support members project at a desired maximum open angle relative to the back member; and a support member which is pivotally connected to the back member and is pivotable from a folded position in which the support member is positioned against the back member to an unfolded position in which the support member engages at least one of the seat and the seat back to thereby support the back member in a reclined position; wherein in use the portable support apparatus is positioned in the seat, the left and right head support members are unfolded to the desired maximum open angle, and the infant is positioned in the seat against the back member; whereby the infant's head and/or upper torso will be supported by the left and right head support members.
 18. The portable support apparatus of claim 17, further comprising means for maintaining the left and right head support members at said desired maximum open angle when the left and right head support members are in the unfolded position.
 19. The portable support seat of claim 17, further comprising a hook member which is connected to the back member and is engageable with the seat back to thereby releasably secure the back member to the seat back.
 20. The portable support seat of claim 19, wherein the hook member is vertically adjustably connected to the back member. 